Chapter 38: Something New

ad-ap-ta-tion n. any alteration in the structure or function of an organism or any of its parts that results from natural selection and by which?the organism becomes better fitted to survive and multiply in its environment

Bilal's body was stiff and cold on the cement parking lot. Even the blood which had pooled from his body had stiffened in the cold. His chest no longer rose and fell, and his heart no longer beat. Only his long hair moved, fluttering in the wind above lifeless eyes that did not notice the flakes of snow drifting down. He no longer had memories of his biggest desire: to love and to be loved.

But his cells did.

One cell remembered to turn on adaptation.

The other cells swiftly followed.

The dormant cells in Bilal's body sparked to life, regenerating enough to start his heart beating sluggishly in his chest.